Former Nyakach Member of Parliament Odoyo Owidi has sparked debate after questioning the political intentions behind a weekend visit by leaders aligned to the Linda Mwananchi Movement to the grave of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, ahead of their planned rally in Kisumu.
The delegation, led by senior political figures including Siaya governor James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, visited Kang’o Ka Jaramogi on Saturday, describing the moment as a symbolic return to the roots of the struggle and a show of respect to the Odinga family legacy.
Orengo, in a reflective statement, said the visit was meant to honour the pioneers of Kenya’s political history.
“Today, I led the Linda Mwananchi Movement to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi to honor the giants who paved the way. I returned to the roots of the struggle to pay homage to my mentor, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and my comrade, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” he said.
He added that the visit was also meant to seek spiritual and political grounding ahead of their public engagement in Kisumu.
“Before we take the stage, we seek the blessings of our elders and the spirit of the revolution. The foundation is solid. The mission is clear. Kisumu, we are ready,” Orengo added.
Sifuna also shared his sentiments, saying he had made a personal stop in Bondo ahead of the rally.
“I went to see my Boss in Bondo ahead of tomorrow’s rally in Kisumu. I have things to say,” he said.
Babu Owino, on his part, kept his message brief, noting the emotional nature of the visit.
“Leo tulienda ku visit Baba Raila Amolo Odinga at Kang’o Kajaramogi,” he said.
However, the visit has drawn criticism from Odoyo Owidi, who accused some politicians of using Raila Odinga’s legacy for political convenience while keeping the Luo community emotionally tied to mourning.
According to Owidi, the prolonged public references to the late opposition leader risk distracting the community from future political organisation and leadership transition.
“The Luo people are often known as deeply emotional and sentimental. Even long after Raila Odinga’s passing, opportunistic politicians have continued to keep them absorbed in mourning him, while other communities have quietly moved on and positioned themselves for the next phase of political power,” Owidi said.
He compared the situation to other Kenyan communities, arguing that they had historically moved on after the death of their leaders.
“The Kikuyu buried Jomo Kenyatta and later Mwai Kibaki, and each time they moved on. The Kalenjin laid Daniel arap Moi to rest and continued with life. Yet our people are constantly being reminded of Baba for months on end,” he added.
Owidi further questioned the consistency of loyalty among some political leaders who now publicly associate themselves closely with Raila Odinga’s legacy.
He pointed to past political differences, alleging that some of those now paying tribute had previously disagreed with the former Prime Minister on key political decisions.
“Sifuna recently buried his own uncle and moved on. Orengo buried his close friend and mentor Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and did not linger in mourning. But for political convenience, they now invoke Baba’s name at every opportunity,” he said.